Well, what happens is with store-bought potatoes, (white or "Irish" potatoes) they are usually treated with an inhibitor to slow down/halt their sprouting. Potatoes sold as "organic" aren't usually sprayed with it though. Personally I've had store-bought spuds sprout and have even planted them out...warmish temps and darkness seemed to be what made them sprout. I've heard that direct sunlight will also de-fuse the inhibitor but never tried it.
However, if you buy sweetpotatoes at your local grocery you should be able to grow your slips from them just fine.
Shoe (itchin for tater soup for supper what with all this tater talk!)
